World Intellectual Property Organization

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading intergovernmental organization that aims to promote the development and use of intellectual property (IP).

WIPO was established in 1970 following the entry into force of the WIPO Convention in 1967, which contained provisions governing the mandate, functions, finances and procedures of WIPO.

WIPO is an exception among the organizations of the UN system, as it is largely self-funded organization.

Cooperation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and WIPO

The Republic of Kazakhstan became a member of the WIPO since 1993, by adopting the following documents: Convention Establishing the WIPO, 1967; the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, 1883; the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, 1891; the Patent Cooperation Treaty, 1970.

The Republic of Kazakhstan has acceded to the following WIPO treaties such as: May 27, 2010 to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid, June 28, 1989); November 9, 2010 to the Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol (adopted at Nairobi on September 26, 1981); May 2, 2011 to the Patent Law Treaty (June 1, 2000).

In February 17, 2012, the Law "On ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations" has been signed. It gives the opportunity to take measures to protect domestic physical and juridical entities.

To ensure equal rights of Kazakh applicants that register trademarks abroad and foreign applicants registering trademarks in Kazakhstan, in April 8, 2012, the Law "On ratification of the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks" has been adopted and which provides a simplified procedure for registration of trademarks, including the use of electronic communications.

In 2001 the Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan and the Director General of WIPO signed the Agreement on the Program of Bilateral Cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and the WIPO.

Responsible government agency in the Republic of Kazakhstan is Ministry of Justice.

Chronology of contacts:

- bilateral meetings with the Head of State and Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the V Astana Economic Forum (May 23-24, 2012).